The selection process will include the steps listed below. All candidates will be notified following completion of each phase of the process whether or not they have been selected to continue in the process. The recruiting officer will contact applicants by phone or mail. Please do not call to determine your status. You will be contacted as soon as information is available.

1. Application

Applications will be screened prior to the test dates. An official copy of the candidate's collegiate transcript must accompany the application.

Lateral Entry candidates must also include a current resume.

Candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications will be notified by mail. Candidates who are eligible to participate in further testing will be advised how to proceed by mail or phone. All documents submitted with an application become the property of the City of Arvada and will not be returned.

2. Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ)

Prior to the oral board interview participating candidates will be sent a Personal History Questionnaire to be completed and returned at the time of their oral board interview. The PHQ will cover information to include, but not limited to:


Criminal and driving history

Drug and alcohol use

Personal references, residential history

Education and training credentials

Undetected criminal activity

Employment history

Financial history

Military service

Applicants should be advised that any misrepresentation, falsification, omission, or deception regarding information contained on the PHQ will be grounds for disqualification from the testing process. All information provided will be confirmed and investigated during the polygraph interview and background investigation.

3. Testing process

The initial testing process consists of three phases all administered on the same day. The tests include a written exercise, basic aptitude test and a 5-minute oral presentation. Candidates should emphasize during the presentation exercise what skills and attributes they possess which would make them successful as an Arvada Police Officer. Candidates may use note cards during the presentation. 

4. Oral Board Interview

The oral board interview is conducted in front of a panel of assessors from within the police department and city government. The interview covers various issues that face police officers, and is a forum for candidates to express their opinions and respond to difficult situations.  

5. Polygraph


The polygraph examination will investigate the candidate's personal history.  See below for further information.     

6. Psychological Evaluation


The psychological evaluation will be performed and certified by a psychiatrist or psychologist selected by, and at the expense of, the Arvada Police Department.

7. Background Investigation


Including, but not limited to, contact with former employers, associates, neighbors, and other pertinent sources. Investigators will research the applicant's military history, school records, police records, driving record, and personal history responses.

8. Physical Examination


Upon conditional offer of employment - includes drug screening.

9. Academy Training


Candidates who are offered employment and are not certified as a Peace Officer in the State of Colorado will attend a police academy at the expense of the department at the position of Police Recruit. Recruits who fail any component of the academy training or the Colorado P.O.S.T. Board Certification Examinations will be dismissed from employment.

10. Field Training Program


Certified candidates and graduating Police Recruits will then participate in the departments Orientation and Field Training Officer (FTO) Program. The program includes daily evaluation of the new officer's performance.